Contributed Article
GILA COUNTY – Working together, Gila County’s Community Services Department; the Homeless Coalition of Cobre Valley, and 2nd Chance Clothing and Donation Center are collecting nonperishable food and hygiene items for those in need within our community.
Saturday, Feb. 18, a drive-through, drop-off collection will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints parking lot, 4247 Broadway, Claypool. (Enter on Broadway, exit on Second Street).
Plus, collection boxes can be found at the main entrance/reception area of the Gila County Courthouse, 1400 E. Ash St., Globe, and at the front desk of Community Services, at the Central Heights Complex, 5515 S. Apache Ave., Suite 200.
February’s Community Food and Hygiene Drive follows closely on the heels of last month’s Point-in-Time Homeless Count, according to Continuum of Care Coordinator Allison Torres, with Gila County’s Community Services Department.
Though final numbers are pending, Torres points out that PIT Count goals include building awareness of community needs, as well as providing individuals with information about existing resources.
“Naturally, a food drive seemed to be a good way to end our annual homelessness count and to continue to try to provide resources for those in need,” she says. “In serving our community and trying to connect people with food resources, we noticed that seemingly all the pantries are low on stock.”
After speaking with Tim Gonzales, from the Homeless Coalition, Torres realized they both had the same idea about a local food drive. “So, we decided to join forces,” says Torres, adding. “Our Community Services Team had already started a collection within our office after identifying the need.”
Another partner in the food/hygiene drive is 2nd Chance Clothing and Donation Center, 4391 Hwy. 60, Claypool, which provides food and clothing free to those in need through vouchers from local organizations.
“2nd Chance acts as a clothing bank for those that cannot afford clothing for things such as a job interview, a change in weather, or for someone that lost belongings in a fire,” explains Torres adding, “We really want to share with all the little pantries in our community, as well.”
“We will distribute the items to the various community pantries in town,” she explains.
Plans are in the works to host a similar food and hygiene drive in Payson. Please stay tuned for any updates.
For more information, contact Allison at 928-425-7631 or atorres@gilacountyaz.gov or Tim at 928-961-3141 or via email at tgonzales.1964homelesscoalition@gmail.gov
